Virtual SIM-The eSIM is gradually replacing traditional physical chips, offering Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro users the convenience of switching between operators without replacing the tray. But not everyone knows that this model supports eSIM only in certain regional versions, and this is where the main difficulty lies. If your smartphone is bought in Russia or Europe, the chances of successful activation of the virtual device are very high. SIM much higher than the Asian modifications.
In this article, we will analyze not only the standard procedure for configuring eSIM, but also the hidden nuances of firmware. MIUI, You will learn how to check the compatibility of your Redmi Note 9 Pro with eSIM, where to get a new version of the device. QR-Activation code and what to do if the operator refuses to provide the virtual SIM. We will pay special attention to typical errors such as โCannot upload profileโ or โeSIM is not supportedโ โ with specific ways to fix them.
Check eSIM support on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Before you try to activate an eSIM, you need to make sure your device supports it, because the Redmi Note 9 Pro came in a number of different versions, and not all of them have the right chip. IMEI-code.
Go to Settings โ About Phone โ General information and find a line with IMEI. If it says two numbers (IMEI 1 and IMEI 2), this is a good sign - it means that the device is theoretically able to work with eSIM. However, the final clarity will only be provided by a specialized service like IMEI.info or Kimovil, where you can check the specifications of a particular model by its code.
- ๐ Modifications with eSIM: Redmi Note 9 Pro for Europe (M2003J6A1G), global (M2003J6B2G)
- โ Without eSIM: Indian version (M2003J6A1I), Chinese modifications
- โ ๏ธ Exception: Some firmware MIUI They block the function even on supported models.
If your model is supported but the eSIM is still not activated, the problem may be in the firmware. Users note that after upgrading to MIUI 13+, the function sometimes โdisappearsโ from the menu, in which case resetting to factory settings or manually installing firmware through Fastboot will help.
โ ๏ธ Note: Before resetting settings, be sure to save data from the section /nvdata โ It stores the calibration data of the communications module, and without it, the network could disappear after the reset.
Where to find it. QR-activation
QR-Code is the key to activating a virtual SIM. It can be obtained in several ways, but not all operators in Russia provide such a service:
- ๐ฑ MTS โ through the application โMy MTSโ or in the communication salons
- ๐ MegaFon โ only for corporate clients (private persons are denied)
- ๐ก Tele2 - in certain regions (check 611)
- ๐ Yota โ full support for eSIM for all tariffs
- ๐ Foreign operators: Airalo, Holafly, GigSky (for travel)
The easiest way to get QR-The code is to contact your operatorโs salon with a passport. Alternatively, order eSIM online through official websites (for example, esim.mts.ru), the activation cost is usually 100-300 rubles, but some operators provide it for free when switching from physical. SIM.
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If your carrier does not support eSIM, you can use virtual carriers like Tinkoff Mobile or SberMobile โ they often offer eSIM even where the main providers refuse.
It's important: QR-The code is valid once and only for 30 minutes after it's generated, and if you don't scan it, you'll have to ask for a new one. IMEI Devices โ this means that transferring the profile to another phone will not work.
ESIM is set up on Redmi Note 9 Pro
When QR-The entire process takes no more than 5 minutes, but requires a stable Internet connection (preferably via Wi-Fi:
- Open the Settings. โ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Tap on Add a mobile network (if not, your firmware does not support eSIM).
- Select Download. SIM-map QR-code.
- Put the camera on QR-code (it should be clear, without glare).
- Confirm the installation of the profile - the phone will restart.
- After restart, go to Settings. โ SIM-Cards and activate the new eSIM.
โ๏ธ Preparation for activation of eSIM
After the scan, QR-The error appears "Can't load eSIM profile", try the following steps:
- ๐ Restart your phone and try again.
- ๐ถ Switch to mobile data (if youโve used Wi-Fi) or vice versa.
- ๐ ๏ธ Install the latest firmware version through Settings โ The phone. โ Updating the system.
- ๐ฑ Reset network settings in Settings โ SIM-map โ Resetting mobile network settings.
โ ๏ธ Note: If you are using the Redmi Note 9 Pro with custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the eSIM may not work due to the lack of drivers. MIUI.
Comparing eSIM and physical SIM: whatโs better for the Redmi Note 9 Pro
Despite the convenience of the eSIM, it has both advantages and disadvantages over traditional eSIM. SIM-Below is a comparison table for Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro:
| Criteria | eSIM | Physical SIM |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience of changing operator | โ Instant switching through QR-code | โ Replacement of the tray required |
| Two-room support | โ Yes. eSIM + physical SIM) | โ Yes (two physical ones) SIM) |
| Compatibility with operators | โ ๏ธ Limited list (not all providers support the service) | โ Works with all operators |
| Security | โ Protected from physical extraction | โ ๏ธ Could be stolen or lost. |
| Recovery on discharge | โ The eSIM profile is deleted and you need to reactivate it. | โ SIM stays |
The main advantage of eSIM for Redmi Note 9 Pro is the ability to use the second number without losing the memory card slot. For example, you can set a physical SIM for the main number and eSIM for the working or foreign fare. However, if you often change operators or travel to regions with poor coverage, the physical SIM can be more reliable.
What if the eSIM stopped working after the MIUI update?
Typical errors and their solutions
Even if your Redmi Note 9 Pro supports eSIM, you may experience some errors during the setup process, and consider the most common and ways to fix them:
Error: "This phone does not support eSIM"
Reason: An informal firmware or regional version of the phone is not designed for eSIM.
Decision:
- Check the phone model in Settings โ About phone โ Model.
- If the model supports eSIM, but the error remains, run the official global version of MIUI via the Mi Flash Tool.
Error: โI was unable to download the eSIM profileโ
Reason: Internet connection problems or operator blocking.
Decision:
- ๐ถ Switch from Wi-Fi to Mobile Data or vice versa.
- ๐ Temporarily shut down. VPN/firewall.
- ๐ Wait 10-15 minutes and try again (sometimes the operatorโs server is overloaded).
Error: eSIM activated but no network
Reason: Incorrect APN settings or conflict with physical SIM.
Decision:
- Go to Settings. โ SIM-map โ [your eSIM] โ Access points (APN).
- Create a new APN with your operatorโs options (you can find them on the official website).
- Turn off the physical SIM and restart the phone.
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If none of these methods worked, try activating eSIM via an operator application (e.g., โMy MTSโ). Sometimes this works even when the standard method doesnโt work.
How to transfer eSIM to another phone
One of the key limitations of eSIM is that it is device-specific, but in some cases, the profile can be moved, for example, if you change the Redmi Note 9 Pro to another eSIM-enabled smartphone (say, Xiaomi 13), the operator can give you a new one. QR-activation code on the new device.
Transfer procedure:
- Contact the operator (through chat, call or communication salon) with a request to transfer the eSIM.
- Specify the IMEI of the new phone - this is a prerequisite.
- Get a new one. QR-code and activate it on the new device.
- On an old phone, delete the eSIM profile in Settings โ SIM-map โ [your eSIM] โ Delete.
Importantly, not all carriers support portability, such as MegaFon often refuses this service, citing technical limitations, in which case you will have to order a new eSIM, which may cause a change of number.
โ ๏ธ Note: If you are selling a Redmi Note 9 Pro with an activated eSIM, be sure to delete your profile before handing over the phone to a new owner!
ESIM Alternatives for Redmi Note 9 Pro
If your model does not support eSIM or you are faced with unsolvable errors, consider alternative options:
- ๐ฑ Dual physical SIM: Use two numbers at the same time, but you will lose the slot to the memory card.
- ๐ Virtual Numbers: Services like Google Voice or Skype allow you to make calls over the Internet.
- ๐ Multiple.-SIM Adapters: Devices like Dual SIM Adapter allows you to insert two nano-SIMs into one slot, but this is an informal solution.
- ๐ก Mobile routers with eSIM: For example, GlocalMe or Skyroam โ connect your phone to their network.
Travel eSIMs from Airalo or Holafly are the best solution for travel, which work independently of the main SIM and allow you to save on roaming. eSIM from Airalo for Europe costs about $ 10 for 7 days with unlimited Internet.